Assignment 4: Sarah Kurtz

Over the years, many fast food chains have changed their logos and building design. Arby’s is a great representation of this change in Atlanta. Currently, the chain is experimenting with two design aspects. Depending on what type of food they sell, the typical roast beef sandwiches and fries or the new fresh market sandwiches and salads, determines the overall interior and exterior design of the restaurant.

In 2006, the Lindbergh Plaza was built off of Sidney Marcus Boulevard. Within the shopping center an Arby’s Fresh Market is housed. The overall design of the façade is simple with red awnings and the Arby’s logo pasted on brick. The interior of the restaurant is very different with more of an industrial feel with exposed ductwork and lights. The yellow contrast to the typical Arby’s red seems to lighten up the small space.

The roast beef sandwich, fast food, take-out Arby’s is very different in design and scale. The façade of the newly designed building are stucco and glass. The Arby’s sign is large and displayed multiple times. The huge bay window faces the road and exhibits a neon red Arby’s symbol. The restaurant off of North Druid Hills Road, near Briarcliff Road, represents this design and was also remodeled on the interior about four months ago. Inside, the restaurant still looks like a fast food joint, just with modern updates; which can be seen in the red and black upholstery and partition walls. The building has been there since the 1990’s.

One of the earliest designs for the Arby’s restaurants can be found at 744 Spring Street. The exterior of the building has not been remodeled or updated since it was built in the 1970’s. It was actually the 205^th Arby’s to be built in the United States. The exterior is boxy, with a mansard roof and curved bay window, sunroom area facing the street. The interior has been undated, but still has an older fast food restaurant feel to it. The interior colors are very somber blacks and tans. A lot of the furniture and lighting features are wood and enamel.